Hernandez off to a good start
Javier Hernandez has got off to a good start after scoring on his debut for Manchester United against the MLS All-Stars.
Hernandez started the game up front for United and did not take long to score as he bagged a goal in the 84th minute of United's 5-2 win. He looked a constant threat and manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is extremely happy with the way the Mexican played.
United believe that too many have under-rated their new player and they predict he will continue to score goals and will have a major impact during the Premier League this season.
It was always going to be important that Hernandez played well the very first time he appeared for United and the goal will mean a number of positives for the player. However, whether he can produce the consistency needed over a tough league remains to be seen.
Positives
It would have been encouraging for United fans and the set-up of the club to see Hernandez take to the team like a duck to water. He looks very fit and there doesn't seem to be any sign of a World Cup hangover, which you sometimes get with players.
The goal he scored will give him confidence and belief in himself that he is good enough to keep taking his place in the United side. The only way for strikers to get confidence is to keep playing and to keep scoring goals.
He also demonstrated how versatile he is during the game. He often dropped off from the front to come and get the ball or he stayed up top and made runs that created space for other players. This proves he is good enough to be in the United team and that he's on the same page as many other players at the club.
Ferguson said: "The one thing defenders worry about is players with speed, who get into the space behind them. When you see his goal it is an indication of that speed. The timing of his run, coming towards the ball spinning, he is going to be a threat to defenders, no question."
Still Early
It's important not to get carried away with this display and remember that it came against a weak and disorganised side. The Premier League will be a much tougher test and the other sides United play in pre-season will also be more difficult.
Ferguson added: "We always think about Macheda that going through on the goalkeeper he is probably the best we have. He is outstanding in those positions. You always feel very confident. When he went through I expected him to score. It was a well-taken goal."
Advice
Be very wary when it comes to betting on Hernandez because he has yet to prove himself at Premier League level. Betting on him to end up top scorer in the league right now would be a very naive move when you consider the quality and standard of the other strikers in the league that he will have to compete against.
United are always a good bet to do well in every competition that they take part in. This is because they have the quality and balance in all areas of their squad that a club needs to do well over a long season.
However, other sides have made good squad additions so far this summer and the best approach could be the cautious one. This will let you watch the start of the season and see how races out to the front. If United are up there then you bet with confidence that they will stay there until the end of the season.
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